“Non sibi, sed suis” (Not for one’s self, but for one’s own) is Tulane University’s motto and reflects my passion for environmental protection. Tulane is located in New Orleans, one of the U.S.’s most climate-vulnerable cities. Frequent floods and heat advisories are a part of my daily life. In my first month on campus, I had to evacuate before Hurricane Ida devastated southern Louisiana. I was disappointed that my first semester was disrupted but thankful I had the means to get to safety. Living here has intensified my commitment to addressing climate change, though I know my experience pales compared to others. While Tulane is in a relatively less flood-prone area, regions further south face rapid coastal erosion. Louisiana loses land to the Gulf of Mexico at an alarming rate—about a football field’s worth every 100 minutes. This erosion, driven by both climate change and the engineering of the Mississippi River, severely impacts communities along the coast. In the spring of 2023, I visited the Pointe-au-Chien Indian tribe where I observed barren trees standing in water that was once land, a stark example of coastal erosion. Listening to the tribe members discuss their resilience as they seek federal tribal recognition to access federal aid reinforced my desire to work closely with communities that are vulnerable to harmful environmental changes. My goal is to work with the federal government to enact the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This law requires federal agencies to assess the environmental and social impacts of their actions before implementation, like granting permits to manufacturers. These facilities can pollute the air, threatening the environment and public health, especially in areas like Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” where Black and low-income communities have long fought the expansion of the petrochemical industry. As a communications liaison under NEPA, I want to elevate the voices of these communities in environmental decisions. Facilitating their involvement means their concerns can influence government decisions–whether that means imposing conditions on a manufacturer’s permit to limit emissions or denying it altogether. By doing so, I would help protect people’s health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the leading cause of climate change. This is my pathway to combating climate change and protecting the environment and people, which go hand-in-hand. I do it not for myself, but for others. “Non sibi, sed suis.” At Tulane, my majors in environmental studies and communication, along with my minor in political science, are preparing me for this work. My environmental studies classes help me understand the connections between human activity and environmental degradation, while my communication classes teach me how to amplify voices that are often unheard. I am learning how to design effective communication plans and overcome engagement barriers, which are critical skills for increasing community involvement in NEPA processes. My political science courses show me the successes and failures of environmental policy, informing how I approach the challenges ahead. I believe impactful climate action comes through policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and it is important to vote for representatives who prioritize climate legislation. On a personal level, individuals can make a difference by reducing their carbon footprints, whether by eating less red meat (which produces half of the food industry's emissions), reducing food waste (which generates greenhouse gas emissions in landfills), or taking part in community initiatives. For example, I volunteer with Tulane’s Food Recovery Network chapter, which packages surplus dining hall food for a local food pantry. These actions may seem small, but they add up, and I encourage my friends and family to adopt similar habits.

As a college student, I have found that it is easier to be environmentally friendly in college than in high school. My college campus and city are walkable, reducing the need to drive, and public transportation is available at cheap rates. At Tulane University, where I attend, water bottle refill stations are available in every building, so I rarely use plastic water bottles. Finally, living in a small dorm with two other roommates requires us to minimize our possessions. From clothes to food, we take only what we need, thereby reducing our waste and carbon footprint. These small changes to my lifestyle have helped me be more green. However, I argue that it is extremely difficult for any individual, including myself, to have a net positive impact on the climate. In general, to be a member of society is to use fossil fuels for electricity and vehicles, to use plastic disposable items (such as water bottles or masks), and to generate waste that emits greenhouse gasses as it rots in landfills. Climate action should not fall to individuals; rather, changes must be made at the societal and industrial level which requires governmental action. Therefore, the most impactful action I and others can take to make positive change on the climate is to vote and make our voices heard by our government representatives. Nevertheless, I emphasize that my aforementioned actions are not meaningless as they add up over time, so I continue these habits and start new ones when I can. I volunteer at an urban garden in New Orleans where we accept waste from industries and compost it into soil, allowing us to grow foods for the community. All in all, I positively impact the climate where I can and advocate for societal change through my votes.

Reading is more than enjoying a story; reading reveals the complexities of human nature. Similarly, history is more than recounting the past; history teaches valuable lessons about the roles of those in power. There is value in studying the details and peeling back the layers of the onion. This is why biological chemistry fascinates me: it explains the biology of living organisms by applying the principles of chemistry to their internal processes. Through biological chemistry, we can extend our understanding of life to the molecular level and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface. For instance, producers use photosynthesis to make sugars for energy. With water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy, producers sustain themselves. The simplified version of photosynthesis is taught beginning in elementary school, but learning the chemical intricacies of the process — the light dependent reactions and the Calvin Cycle — at the university level truly had me stunned. I was astonished at how plants have evolved to be this self-sufficient, while us animals rely on outside food. Then, I was struck with wonder at how humans have discovered and studied this level of detail — one that I am excited to study and explore while pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in biological chemistry. While earning my degree in biological chemistry, I plan to get involved in research with a faculty member of my university or find an internship related to my interests in STEAM. Gaining experience in my field will be a huge advantage to aid in my job search after graduating. I will work, hopefully in a lab setting, for a few years before returning to graduate school to earn my master’s degree to help pay off some of my student loans. Ultimately, I want to apply my degree in biological chemistry to the environment and climate change. Finding solutions to climate change and ensuring the sustainability of the earth for future generations can not wait, and I envision myself working with other climate scientists to do so. In addition to my B.S. in biological chemistry, I will also earn a B.A. in environmental studies so that I have a well-rounded education in environmental issues. I believe this is necessary because while science can find solutions to climate change and environmental issues, such solutions must be applied in the real world. This requires familiarity with the socioeconomic and political obstacles to putting these solutions in action. I have a long road ahead of me to work towards my goals, and I know it will not be easy, but I am ready to jump in head first.

Growing up, my dad and my siblings were the only Filipinos I had in my daily life. There was little Filipino representation in the pop culture I grew up with, but that has changed. The Disney movie Raya had me in tears by the time the credits rolled. Bruno Mars has always held a special place in my heart, and H.E.R. and Olivia Rodrigo have been added to my list of new favorite Filipino music artists. Most recently, Hailee Steinfeld in “Hawkeye” and Jacob Batalon as Ned in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” represent Filipinos in the huge cinematic world of Marvel. Hearing Ned’s lola speak Tagalog in the movie was an unforgettable experience. Pop culture representation is so important, but I yearn for Filipino representation in educational and STEM environments where it is lacking. At my tutoring job at Mathnasium during high school, I was proud to represent Filipinos as an educator. When a new-hire was added to the team, we laughed at the kids who insisted we resembled sisters… because we were both Filipino. As a young student, I wished I had a Filipino role model, and a few years ago, I finally met my cousin who is now that role model. Kami was trained as a molecular biologist and is now a science communicator and edits for the Asian Scientist Magazine. Furthermore, she manages @pinoyscientists on Instagram where the experiences of Filipino scientists are shared with the world. Kami is the representation I needed as a child. As I continue my studies at Tulane University, I hope to amplify Filipino pride, especially in the sciences. I am currently a freshman co-representative of Tulane’s Women in Science organization. With leadership experience in this group and my membership in the Asian-American Student Union, I will help found a Filipino club. In this group, I know I will meet other Filipino scientists who can support each other in their educational journey. Doing so feels full-circle given that the first Filipinos in North America settled in Southern Louisiana, not far from Tulane.

It’s October 2020 of my senior year of high school, and I’m dreading my to-do list. Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, I limit myself to ten minutes. Ten minutes turn into twenty and twenty into ninety. I never believed I would experience burnout, yet I lacked the motivation or focus to do anything school-related. Although I was turning in assignments on time, my productivity slowed, leaving me feeling stressed, frustrated, and inadequate all rolled into one glop of exasperated emotion. Surprisingly, I found respite tutoring at Mathnasium. I took comfort in teaching my students, reviewing their work, and joking around with them. I enjoyed the rhythm of productivity at Mathnasium and sought that rhythm in my schoolwork too, so I confronted my burnout head-on. I deleted TikTok; kept my phone out of sight when working; and turned off notifications on my laptop to better focus. I began asking others for help when I needed it—something I rarely did in the past because I took pride in my independence. I learned to say “no” to an extra babysitting or tutoring job when I felt overwhelmed. With these efforts, I gained back my motivation, focus, and productivity, finishing senior year strong with plans to attend Tulane University. Of everything I learned about myself during my burnout, the most important is that I have control over my life. Burnout is terrifying because losing motivation feels synonymous with losing a reason to continue with one’s daily routine. There is an important distinction between burnout and laziness; the latter of which I initially thought I was. However, once I realized I was experiencing burnout, I made changes to get back on track. It was far from easy, but today, I am confident in my ability to avoid burnout and care for my mental health.

It’s October 2020 of my senior year of high school, and I’m dreading my to-do list. Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, I limit myself to ten minutes. Ten minutes soon turn into twenty and twenty into ninety. I never believed I would experience burnout, yet here I was without the motivation or focus to do anything school-related. The love I had for school and learning dissipated following the onset of the pandemic and continued to do so as I worked on college applications. While I was still turning in assignments and applications on time, my productivity slowed, leaving me feeling stressed, frustrated, and inadequate all rolled into one glop of exasperated emotion. I surprisingly found respite working my tutoring job at Mathnasium. Like being in the eye of the hurricane, I found temporary reprieve from my storm of burnout. I took comfort in my routine of checking students in and out, helping them with their math, reviewing their work, and joking around with them. I realized that aside from loving to interact with my students, I enjoyed the rhythm of productivity at Mathnasium. Seeking that rhythm in my schoolwork too, I confronted my burnout head-on. I deleted my biggest distraction, TikTok; kept my phone out of sight when working; and turned off notifications on my laptop to better focus. I began asking others for help when I needed it—something I rarely did in the past because I took pride in my independence. I learned to say “no” to an extra babysitting or tutoring job when I felt overwhelmed with what was already on my plate. With these efforts, I gained back my motivation, focus, and productivity, finishing senior year strong with plans to attend Tulane University in Fall 2021. These are only a few examples of what it took to drag myself out of my burnout. On paper, it sounds like minor alterations to my lifestyle, but at the time, it was difficult to set boundaries for myself and stick to them. Discipline was the most important factor in my recovery and is my primary tool to prevent burnout from creeping up on me again. As a college student, I spend less time in the classroom but have more responsibilities and homework. I was worried about slipping into burnout at the start of the semester, but maintaining the personal boundaries that I set during my senior year has stopped that from happening. To further improve my undergraduate experience, I have started success coaching at Tulane to gain an outside professional perspective on my college life. My coach and I discuss myself holistically—as a student, daughter, friend, and human being—to ensure that I am on track to achieve my goals, academic and personal. Of everything I learned about myself during my burnout, the most important is that I have control over my life. Burnout is terrifying because losing motivation can feel synonymous with losing a reason to continue with one’s daily routine. There is an important distinction between burnout and laziness; the latter of which I initially thought I was. However, once I realized I was experiencing burnout, I made changes to get back on track. It was far from easy, but today, I am confident in my ability to avoid burnout and care for my mental health.

From the Hunger Games to Divergent, my generation has grown up with stories depicting young heroes saving the world. It seems fitting that we have taken on astonishing leadership roles in activism and volunteerism from addressing climate change to social justice. Generation Z takes real action for what we care about—even before we have completed our education. Doing so at such a young age shows that we are not willing to wait for others to solve problems that burden our communities and reassures me that my generation is willing to work to better the world. One area young people are addressing is the growing homeless population, which often lacks the necessary items required to stay safe during a pandemic. Nine-year-old Tyler Stallings and his mom compile “hero bags” containing masks, food, clothing, and more for the homeless veteran population in his community. 13-year-old Liem Kaplan has donated over 20,000 masks to the homeless population in Sammamish, Washington, and 15-year-old Shaivi Shah and her school’s National Honor Society donated more than 250 sanitation kits to homeless shelters around Los Angeles. Other young leaders are concentrating on people’s struggle to put food on the table. Eight-year-old Cavanaugh Bell with the help of his family opened a food pantry in his community. Another eight-year-old, Campbell Jackson, is selling her hand-painted sneakers and donating the profits to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund and Feeding America. A high school junior, Neel Jain, started an organization called PDX Concierge that offers free grocery delivery for high-risk individuals in which many of the volunteers are high schoolers. In addition, the Key Club at my high school has taken charge of hosting food drives to keep our school’s food pantry stocked for students and their families in need. Because many nursing homes are not permitting visitors during the pandemic, loneliness has set in among senior citizens. This caused Shreya and Saffron Patel, a college freshman and a high school junior, respectively, to found Letters Against Isolation. With volunteers from around the globe and across the nation, Letters Against Isolation sends cards to senior citizens in quarantine. From October 6th to November 5th of 2020 alone, Letters Against Isolation sent 81,905 letters. I am proud to have personally led my high school’s National Honor Society chapter involvement in the organization. Tohopekaliga High students sent over 200 letters to a nursing home in our home state of Florida in 2020. During tough times, it can be hard to find the good in the world. The ongoing pandemic has felt like a rollercoaster that just keeps plunging down into darkness, and it’s not a thrilling ride; rather, it’s terrifying, and at times it feels like it will never end. Creating the good is difficult when it feels like the world is falling apart, but that’s exactly what young leaders are doing. Young people are embracing their ability to take initiative in creating the good, and that is what will ultimately pull us out of the dark.

As a student in New Orleans who grew up in Florida, environmental destruction and climate change are issues that I am very familiar with. Both of my homes host an array of diverse ecosystems which must be protected. Both are also subject to the dire effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and more frequent and intense hurricanes. My concerns about this led me to major in environmental studies at Tulane University, but I nearly majored in environmental science as STEM is typically my strong suit. However, I decided to choose environmental studies because protecting the environment and curbing climate change are interdisciplinary processes concerning the social, economic, and political spheres. As much as I love working in the lab, scientific evidence and discoveries alone are not enough to produce action to protect the environment. Knowing this, I undertook a research project in my senior year of high school to study the global warming policy preferences of the Florida state legislature. I did so by surveying 35 of my state legislators. Interestingly, I found that 100% of the surveyed Florida legislators, and 86% of the Florida public favor funding more research into renewable energy sources. Furthermore, providing tax rebates for people who purchase energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels is highly favored among the public and legislature. This shows that both the public and government officials favor increasing renewable energy. Although renewable energy alone will not solve the climate crisis, with such high support, at least in Florida, it can be a viable aspect of the solution. Increasing the proportion of renewable energy in America’s energy use will aid in an energy transition away from fossil fuels. Adding incentives for consumers to use renewable energy, like tax rebates, can help, but the burden of going green can not fall only on consumers. Because the overwhelming majority of emissions come from a small subset of corporations, changes in this sector are among the most important. The most logical policy is to limit corporations’ emissions, but there is much resistance to this idea. Opponents argue that this will stunt economic growth, but I argue that if done right, limiting emissions can benefit the economy. A cap and trade emissions system, for example, would provide a “cap” on emissions for corporations while also incentivizing them for being under the limit. Companies under the limit can then trade their “unused emissions” to other companies unable to limit their pollution. Thus, emissions are reduced, and corporations still have competition that will benefit the economy. A cap and trade emissions system will require corporations to decrease their emissions, and many will do so through renewable energy. As mentioned before, this will aid in an energy transition away from fossil fuels, and there are many benefits to it in addition to being better for the earth. As companies rely more on renewable energy, it will become more economically competitive, encouraging other companies to make the switch. Furthermore, the renewable energy industry will grow and create more job opportunities, further stimulating the economy. The energy transition will also help America reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports. Politics and economics are complicated, but it is clear that the climate crisis will not wait for us to organize ourselves. Action must be taken now, and I hope that as I continue my education in environmental studies, I can do my part in curbing climate change.

Reading is more than enjoying a story; reading reveals the complexities of human nature. Similarly, history is more than recounting the past; history teaches valuable lessons about the roles of those in power. There is value in studying the details and peeling back the layers of the onion. This is why biological chemistry fascinates me: it explains the biology of living organisms by applying the principles of chemistry to their internal processes. Through biological chemistry, we can extend our understanding of life to the molecular level and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface. For instance, producers use photosynthesis to make sugars for energy. With water, carbon dioxide, and solar energy, producers are able to sustain themselves. The simplified version of photosynthesis is taught beginning in elementary school, but learning the chemical intricacies of the process — the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin Cycle — in high school truly had me stunned. First, I was astonished at how plants have evolved to be this self-sufficient, while us animals rely on outside food. Then, I was struck with wonder at how humans have discovered and studied this level of detail — one that I am excited to study and explore while pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in biological chemistry. While earning my degree in biological chemistry, I plan to get involved in research with a faculty member of my university or find an internship related to my interests in STEM. Gaining experience in my field will be a huge advantage to aid in my job search after graduating. I will work, hopefully in a lab setting, for a few years before returning to graduate school to earn my master’s degree to help pay off some of my student loans. Ultimately, I want to apply my degree in biological chemistry to the environment and climate change. Finding solutions to climate change and ensuring the sustainability of the earth for future generations can not wait, and I envision myself eventually working with other climate scientists to do so. In addition to my B.S. in biological chemistry, I will also earn a B.A. in environmental studies so that I have a well-rounded education in environmental issues. I believe this is necessary because while science can find solutions to climate change and environmental issues, such solutions must be applied in the real world. This means dealing with the socioeconomic and political obstacles to putting these solutions in action. I have a long road ahead of me to work towards my goals, and I know it will not be easy, but I am ready to jump in headfirst.

My generation, “Gen Z,” was the first to grow up in the age of smartphones. With the long-term effects of smartphone usage at a young age unknown, we were the guinea pigs. I received my first iPhone in elementary school for my birthday. My parents joked that now when my dad forgets to pick me up from dance practice, he is just a call away. It was the glorious convenience of the technology that convinced my parents that it was time for their child to have their very own state-of-the-art smartphone. However, for myself and other Gen Z-ers, the smartphone was more than that. Our friends were no longer people we could only talk to at school; boring car rides were filled with entertainment; and thousands of games became available at our fingertips. In our preteen years, we witnessed the birth of social media and facilitated its flourish. Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok — Gen Z joined it all. The smartphone has fully consumed my life. I wake up to my alarm (on my iPhone), check social media (on my iPhone), get ready for the day while listening to a podcast (on my iPhone), eat breakfast while scrolling through the news (on my iPhone), and drive to school while listening to music (on my iPhone). At school, the smartphone has become intertwined with my learning. I use my iPhone to participate in trivia, search the internet, and utilize educational resources. At home, I watch Netflix and YouTube (on my iPhone) or read a book (on my iPhone). Before bed, I end my day as it began (on my iPhone) and set my alarm (on my iPhone). Unfortunately, the cycle seems impossible to break. Smartphones and their apps are designed to keep users engaged with content. Bright colors keep our eyes glued to the screen, and algorithms are expertly designed to show us exactly what we want to see. Further making it difficult to disconnect from our smartphones, everyday tasks and events are increasingly digitized, especially as people look to stay connected during the pandemic. As one of the guinea pigs who grew up in the age of smartphones, I would like to report my personal findings. I spend between four and seven hours on my phone each day. I am constantly itching to pick up my phone, and the sound of a notification has me instantly checking it. I occasionally hear phantom notifications. When I do homework, I have to physically hide my phone in my bag or in another room to stay focused. I could mindlessly scroll through social media for hours. Behind the wheel, I try to stay off my phone unless I am using it for navigation. I never text and drive, and if I need to call someone I use Bluetooth. However, I do listen to music, and I occasionally pick up my phone to switch songs or artists. I worry that one day this will cause me to get into an accident, so to minimize how often I do this, I set up my music before I start driving. Of course, there are plenty of benefits to smartphones: staying in touch with faraway friends and family, having the internet and a map in your pocket, capturing memories with built-in cameras… In fact, I used to focus solely on these positives to justify the enormous amount of time I spend on my phone. However, because it is clear that smartphones are not going anywhere anytime soon, society must address the negative effects of smartphones on younger generations.